Home » Guinea Pig 101

Guinea pigs in the wild used to gaze on a variety of food, right from fresh hay to vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Vegetables for Guinea pigs are like an integral part of their diet. Also, It is our responsibility to provide them with an environment that is a close replica of nature. Many people often get confused about what type of vegetables are suitable for guinea pigs and what is not. People often do not have much idea on the serving size of vegetables for their Guinea pigs. If you are a beginner then you can learn more about the Guinea pig’s diet and 70+ Fruits for guinea pigs from our in-depth guide. So, in this article, we will look at 70+ varieties of vegetables that our guinea pigs can and can't eat. Recommend reading: Guinea Pig Essential List: A Complete Supply Checklist7 Essential Things That Guinea Pigs Need In A Cage?Is It Worth Getting Pet Insurance For Guinea Pigs? At the end of this article, we have also shared our handpicked, unique, and good quality products that our guinea pigs love the most. Make sure you check those out! Are vegetables essential for guinea pigs? Yes, Vegetables are really a key aspect in their diet that cannot be neglected. Keeping a mix of vegetables into the diet is essential to provide their bodies with all the necessary nutrients. Unlike other animals, Guinea pigs cannot produce Vitamin C and some other vital nutrients on their own. They need to be served the right quantity and mix of vegetables to live a healthy life. Vegetables also provide them with hydration in their bodies. However, the key to a balanced diet for your guinea pig is to serve variety but in moderation. You can also use this amazing germinator for germinating a wide variety of sprouts for your guinea pigs. Sprouts are also an excellent source of Vitamin C for your guinea pigs. Also, have a look at this amazing pack that helps you grow meadow grass right at your kitchen countertop. Fresh, crisp and full of vitamins for your guinea pigs. If you haven't gone through our guide on their diet then I suggest you read that first:- Why is Vitamin C essential for guinea pigs?11 leafy vegetables for your guinea pigs?Easy to grow Vegetables, Herbs & More. Please Note: All the information shared in this article is either by my own experience of keeping guinea pigs or from credible sources. However, if you notice anything wrong you can reach me out and I shall ensure it's corrected ASAP! What are the vegetables a Guinea pig can eat? Although there is a lot of information on Vegetables for a guinea pig on the internet, I still didn't found it under a single roof anywhere. I had to put a lot of effort and go through various credible resources to gather the correct information of the same. And today I have decided to share all the information with you guys so let's check it out! There are a variety of vegetables that can be fed to your Guinea pig. However, we must keep a few things in mind when we serve our guinea pigs with vegetables: The vegetables must be fresh and preferably organic.We must wash our vegetables properly with clean water, even if those are organic.Only feed them the appropriate amount of vegetables they need for a balanced diet. Don't be tempted to overfeed them.We must store the vegetables of our Guinea pig hygienically like we store our food.The vegetables must be chopped in appropriate sizes before serving.We must keep in mind what are the edible and non-edible parts of the vegetables and serve accordingly. Food bowls are a must for our guinea pigs. Whether its time to serve some pellets or veggies, you need a tip-proof bowl for your guinea pigs, and staybowl must be your only pick. They are sturdy and do not flip over, creating a mess as other bowls do. So, without any further delay, let us dive into the list of vegetables that are safe and unsafe for our guinea pigs. List of vegetables for your guinea pigs! Vegetables for guinea pigsCan eat or not?Benefits for guinea pigs?Suggested feedingHazard to look for Can guinea pig eat Amaranth Leaves?NO.It contains quite a bit of fat, phosphorus, and calcium in it.Not recommended.Although if you have already fed one or two leaves, then it would not harm much but best to avoid it altogether as it is not beneficial for our guinea pigs health.. Can guinea pig eat Artichoke?YES.It is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin B-6.It should be served in a small quantity once or twice a month only.It contains lots of Phosphorous and Sugar and thus should be fed sparsely to avoid health issues. Can guinea pig eat Arugula?YES.It contains the right amount of nutrients in it.It can be feed 2 to 3 times a week with other veggies. Salt is higher in this vegetable, so guinea pig needs much water. Can guinea pig eat Asparagus?YES.It is a good source of Fiber, Folate, vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as chromium.We can give it 1-2 times a week. The portion size should be small up to 1/4 cup.If the quantity exceeds, it may lead to digestive problems and also keep watch at them while feeding for the first time. Can guinea pig eat Bamboo Shoots?YES.Bamboo shoots are rich in fiber, Vitamin B-6 & Vitamin C but have less amount of other nutrients. Guinea pigs can eat bamboo shoots along with their leaves but only in a small quantity.Avoid overfeeding as it contains an excessive amount of fiber, which can be tough to digest if served in an excess quantity. Can guinea pig eat Beans (Green Beans)?YES.It is an excellent source of Vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium, and other minerals.The serving size should be 1-2 small-sized beans, 2-3 times a week.Overfeeding might upset the stomach of guinea pigs. Can guinea pig eat Beetroot?YES.It contains Fiber, Folate, Vitamin C, and other minerals that may help in maintaining a healthy body.You can feed them occasionally in tiny quantities. The beet greens are edible as well but in a small amount, once in a month.Excessive feeding of beet greens or roots may be harmful to your guinea pigs. Can guinea pig eat Belgian Endive?YES.It contains an abundance of nutrients that helps to keep sugar level down, Improves eyesight, and make bones stronger.One or two small leaves of Belgian endive can be offered to our guinea pigs. We can serve it 3-4 times a week.Although many people suggest serving it daily; however, it contains a relatively high amount of calcium in it, and thus serving it a few times only is recommended. Can guinea pig eat Bitter melon?No.It is acidic and is unsuitable for guinea pigs.Don't feed them.If you have already fed a little, then you must observe your guinea pig's health. They may show some signs of bloating. Can guinea pig eat Bok Choy?YES.It contains a high amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Potassium.It can be served 1-2 times per week, serve it in moderation with other veggies.It should be fed sparingly because it's a gassy food. Can guinea pig eat Broad beans (Fava Beans)?NO.It has a very high amount of potassium in it.Not recommendedIt is tough for the guinea pigs to digest. Thus It can cause health issues. Can guinea pig eat Broccoli?YES.It contains Vitamins and Minerals, which helps in keeping their heart healthy and overall health improvement.Cavies can eat broccoli, its leaves, and its stem too. It can be fed 2-3 times a week but in small quantities.Don't ever overfeed them; it causes many health issues like bladder stones etc. Can guinea pig eat Broccoli Rabe (Rapini)?YES.It is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C.We should only feed it once or twice a month in a tiny portion.Overfeeding Vitamin A rich food can harm your guinea pig's kidney. Can guinea pig eat Brussel Sprouts?YES.It is rich in vitamins, nutrients and fibers.Must be given in a small portion once a month.Avoid overfeeding and Never feed cooked Brussels Sprouts. Can guinea pig eat Green Cabbage?YES.It is a good source of Vitamin C.We can feed it 2-4 times per week in a tiny portion.Serve them in small portions because it's a gassy food. Can guinea pig eat Red Cabbage?YES.It is a good source of vitamin C.It can be given 2-3 a week in a small portion mixed with various veggies.Avoid overfeeding as it can result in bloating. Can guinea pig eat Carrot?YES.It has a high amount of vitamin A, Vitamin C, fiber, and beta-carotene.Guinea pigs can eat a medium carrot cut into two halves in 2-inch slices, or you can also feed one or two baby carrots to your guinea pigs.It also includes a good amount of natural sugars in it; thus, should be avoided feeding daily. Can guinea pig eat Cassava (Yucca Root)?NO.It has a high amount of carbohydrate, which is not suitable for guinea pigs.Not recommended to feedRaw cassava contains a small amount of cyanide in it, which can have adverse effects on small pets like guinea pigs. Can guinea pig eat Cauliflower?YES.It contains Vitamin C and other essential fibers.It should be served in a small portion once or twice a week.Keep the serving in moderation as it is gassy for our guinea pigs. Can guinea pig eat Celery?YES.Celery is hydrating and a rich source of vitamins.Serving should be once a week or so. Only give it as an occasional treat. Every part of celery can be served including its leaves, stalks and roots.Celery contains high amounts of oxalates which can bind with calcium to form stones. Thus, it is recommended serving sparsely. Can guinea pig eat Chayote (choko)?YES.It contains a high amount of Vitamin C in it.It can be served once or twice a week in a small portion.Remove the seeds before serving also avoid overfeeding as it can lead to diarrhea. Can guinea pig eat Chicory (Curly Endive)?YES.It contains Vitamin C and phosphorus in it.Serving in small portion 2-3 a week is recommended.Moderate serving size as it also contains a hint of sugar, which can lead to obesity if overfed. Can guinea pig eat Collards?YES.It contains Vitamin C and other essential nutrients.Serve in moderation, limiting to 2-3 times a week.Don't overfeed collards to your guinea pigs. It may lead to bladder stones in them. Can guinea pig eat Corn?YES.It is a rich source of Vitamin B-6 and other essential minerals.Serve in small quantities once or twice a week.Corn is rich in natural sugar, which can lead to various health issues in guinea pigs, including diabetes and obesity. Can guinea pig eat Crookneck?YES.It is rich in Vitamin C and Antioxidants.It can be served in a small quantity once or twice a week. Make sure to peel off the skin and remove seeds. Overfeeding could lead to some health issues in guinea pigs. Can guinea pig eat Cucumber?YES.Cucumber contains over 95% of the water, which helps in keeping the body hydrated in the summer heat.A guinea pig can eat all portions of cucumber, including skin, seeds, and flesh.But serving in moderation is advised to prevent health issues.Cucumbers can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea in some guinea pigs if you are overfeeding them. Can guinea pig eat Daikon Dandelion Greens?YES.It carries nutrients straight from the roots to the flower. It helps to control sugar levels and other diseases.It is always recommended to feed them in moderation 1-2 times a week.Feeding them may lead to allergic reactions in some cavies, so caution is needed. Over feed may lead to stones. Can guinea pig eat Edamame, Soybeans?NO.It is unprocessed soybean, which is unhealthy for them.Not at all.Lectins and saponins in raw soybeans can cause acute nausea, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other serious health issues in guinea pigs. Can guinea pig eat Eggplant?YES.It is low in vitamin C but high in potassium and calcium.You can feed eggplant to your guinea pigs in moderation; 1-2 times a week is recommended.Eggplant is high in calcium, which can lead to health issues. Thus, it should only be served as a treat. Can guinea pig eat Fennel?YES.Rich in vitamin C, and it has various other health benefits as well.They can eat fennel leaves and fennel bulb in moderation, also remember to remove seeds before serving.Fennel may lead to an allergic reaction in them. Don't feed them while on medication. Too much fennel may lead to some health issues in them. Can guinea pig eat Fiddle head?NO.Rich in vitamin C and potassium but very bitter in taste.Fiddle head is not safe to be served raw and boiled or cooked food is also unsuitable for guinea pigs. Thus, avoid serving it to your guinea pigs.In its raw state, it contains some toxins in it. Can guinea pig eat Ginger (Ginger Root)?NO.It is good for human health but not for guinea pigs.Not recommended.It is bad for their digestive system. Can guinea pig eat Horseradish (Wasabi)?NO.It has very few nutrients essential for guinea pigsNot at all.Some nutrients in it is harmful for your guinea pigs. Can guinea pig eat Jicama?YES.It is a good source of vitamin C, but it is quite starchy food.It is recommended to feed Jicama sparsely to your guinea pigs. Also, make sure you serve only a tiny quantity( a small slice) of the same.Remove the skin and serve in moderation to avoid health issues. Can guinea pig eat Kale?YES.It is very good source of vitamin C and vitamin A for our guinea pigs.Serve it in limitation(a small leaf or two); 3-4 times a week.Too much kale can increase the chances of developing bladder stones in your guinea pigs. Can guinea pig eat Kohlrabi?YES.It has the right amount of vitamin C and dietary fibers in it.We should feed it in moderation; 1- 2 times a week with other veggies.It is gassy food feed them in moderation and keep an eye on them to see they are not behaving unusually. Can guinea pig eat Leeks?NO.It has high sodium which is not safe for them.Not at all.Leeks can cause your guinea pig to bloat and even cause diarrhea, as it has a high amount of sulfide in it. Can guinea pig eat Iceberg Lettuce?NO.It is not very nutritious.Serving your guinea pigs with some iceberg lettuce will not hurt them but will not do any good either.Too much intake can cause various health issues. Thus it is best to avoid it. Can guinea pig eat Romaine Lettuce?YES.It is very high in Vitamin A and other nutrients.Romaine lettuce is an excellent addition to a guinea pig's diet. Feed them in moderation 3-4 times a week.It has slightly high calcium; thus it is not suitable for daily consumption. Can guinea pig eat Green/Red leaves Lettuce?YES.It has hint of vitamin C and other nutrients.We can feed it 2-3 times a week in moderation, Although not very nutritious for them.They are a little high in calcium, which can be bad for your guinea pigs if fed regularly. Can guinea pig eat Mushrooms?YES.Mushrooms don’t yield much nutritional value.Feed them in a raw state in a tiny amount.Mushrooms can lead to allergic reactions in some guinea pigs. Also, some variety of them is poisonous for them. Can guinea pig eat Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea)?YES.It contains vitamin C and other nutrients.We can give mustard green 1-2 times per week in a small portion alongside other veggies.Avoid overfeeding as it may cause health issues. Can guinea pig eat Okra?YES.It contains calcium and vitamin C,We can feed a small piece or so 1-2 times a week.It must be served in moderation as it contains high calcium content in it. Can guinea pig eat Onion?Can guinea pig eat Onion?NO.Onions contains some compounds which is unhealthy for cavies.Not recommended at all.It can cause various health issues in guinea pigs. Can guinea pig eat Parsnip?YES.Parsnip is full of nutrients & fibers, which is beneficial for guinea pigs.Serve parsnips 1-2 times per week in small quantity mix with other veggies; all of them may not like the taste.Overfeeding can cause digestion problems in guinea pigs. Can guinea pig eat Green Peas?YES.It is rich in vitamin C and other nutrients. It can be served in small quantities along with its pod 2-3 times a week.Serve in limitation as overfeeding may harm their digestive health. Can guinea pig eat Green Pepper?YES.The green bell peppers have a right balance of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber for our guinea pigs.Green and yellow bell peppers are low in sugar, and we can feed them daily(1/8 cup).Serve them in moderation as it can cause digestive issues if overfed. Can guinea pig eat Sweet Red Pepper?YES.Red bell peppers are high in Vitamin A, which makes it a great addition in our guinea pig's diet.Orange and Red bell peppers are high in sugar, and we should serve them sparsely.It contains little more sugar than green pepper, so we must feed it occasionally. Can guinea pig eat Red Potatoes?NO.Potato contains certain ingredients that are toxic for the guinea pigs.Not recommended at all.Potato contains ingredients called alkaloids, which are harmful to cavies. Can guinea pig eat White Potatoes?NO.White Potato contains certain ingredients that are toxic for the guinea pigs.Don't feed them ever.Ingredients in white potato are not suitable for our guinea pigs. Can guinea pig eat Yellow Potatoes?NO.Yellow potato contains specific ingredients that are toxic for the guinea pigs.Not to be served at allIngredients which yellow potato contains is not suitable for them. Can guinea pig eat Pumpkin?YES.It is low in nutritional value.Pumpkin skin and flesh are perfectly edible; it is best to be served as a treat.Seeds are considered to be choking hazards. Can guinea pig eat Radicchio?YES.It is low in vitamin C but rich other nutrients.Guinea pigs can eat Radicchio 2-3 times a week but only in small quantity.Radicchio is acidic, and overfeeding can cause some health issues in guinea pigs. Can guinea pig eat Radishes?YES.It contains vitamin C and other essential nutrients.Radish is very high in acids, particularly oxalic acid, so feed them occasionally, not exceeding 1-2 times a month.May lead to bladder stone if fed in high amount. Can guinea pig eat Rutabaga(turnips)?YES.It is very high in potassium and contains some vitamin C.Only occasionally, perhaps once or twice a month in a small portion.It must be fed in moderation because it contains calcium, oxalic acids, and sugar, which is harmful to guinea pig's health. Can guinea pig eat Shallots?NO.Shallots is a type of onion which contains sulfide which is harmful to guinea pigs.Not at all.It is not recommended at all. Can guinea pig eat Snow Peas?YES.It is rich in vitamin C and other nutrients. It can be served in small quantities with its pod twice a week.Serve in limitation as overfeeding may cause some digestive issues in guinea pigs. Can guinea pig eat Sorrel (Dock)?YES.Sorrel is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C and other essential nutrients.It can be served once a week in a small quantity.Avoid overfeeding as it can lead to some health issues like bloating, diarrhea, etc. Can guinea pig eat Spaghetti Squash?YES.It is low in vitamin C and have some other nutrients.Spaghetti squash can be fed to your guinea pigs 1-2 times per week in a small portion.Don't feed the skin and seeds to your guinea pigs. Can guinea pig eat Spinach?YES.Spinach is an excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, followed by other vital nutrients.A small leaf or a leaf of baby spinach is just the right quantity of spinach for our guinea pigs once per week.Must be in moderation to avoid health diseases in guinea pigs like bladder stones/sludge. Can guinea pig eat Butternut squash?YES.It is rich in Vitamin C, Calcium, and other nutrients.Butternut squash is not the best vegetable for your guinea pigs; however, we can serve it 1-2 times a month or so in a tiny quantity.It is high in oxalic acid and should be avoided as it can lead to bladder stones in guinea pigs. Can guinea pig eat Sugar Snap Peas?YES.It is rich in vitamin C and other nutrients. Sugar snap peas can be fed to your guinea pigs 1-2 times per week, not exceeding one or two small beans along with its pods.Serve in limitation as overfeeding can lead to health issues in guinea pigs. Can guinea pig eat Sweet Potato?YES.It contains small amount of nutrients and fat.We can feed sweet potatoes in small quantities to our guinea pigs once or twice a month. However, make sure not to make them a regular part of their diet.Overfeeding can lead to various health diseases, including obesity, diarrhea, etc. Can guinea pig eat Swiss Chard?YES.Rich in vitamin A and Vitamin C.Feed them in small quantities 2-3 times a month.Don't overfeed them; it may lead to various diseases like bladder stones, diarrhea, bloating, etc. Can guinea pig eat Tomatillo?NO.Tomatillo is rich in Vitamins, iron and other essential minerals. Not recommended for guinea pigs.It has a high amount of natural sugar in it. It is also acidic, which should be avoided at all costs. Can guinea pig eat Tomato?YES.Tomato is rich in Vitamin C and other essential nutrients.You can serve one cubic inch(slice) of tomato twice a week to your guinea pigs.Do remember to remove all the vines and leaves as they are harmful. Also, serving in moderation is recommended. Can guinea pig eat Turnip?YES.It is good in vitamin C but contains high potassium.Only occasionally, perhaps once or twice per week in a small portion. Turnip green can also be eaten in a small portion 1-2 times a week.Don't overfeed them as it can lead to health issues. Can guinea pig eat Watercress?YES.It is rich in vitamin C and vitamin A.Watercress can be given once or twice a week to our guinea pigs.Avoid overfeeding as Acidity in watercress can bring stomach discomfort. Can guinea pig eat Yam Root?YES.They contain vitamin C, and the iron and vitamin K in the yams will contribute to healthier blood.Cavies can eat yams twice in a week but in a small quantity. Urinary complications and Weight changes are some common issues if we overfeed them. Can guinea pig eat Zucchini?YES.It contains a decent amount of vitamin C in it along with some other nutrients.Zucchini is a staple vegetable of a guinea pig's diet. We can feed zucchini every day, considering we limit the quantity served.Too much zucchini can lead to digestive diseases like diarrhea and bloating in guinea pigs. Are Cooked Vegetables good for a Guinea pig? No, Cooked vegetables must not be served to guinea pigs. Although it doesn't harm them, cooking vegetables diminishes most of the nutrients which are essential for Guinea pigs. Also, salt is something that must be kept away from guinea pig food. Thus, It is best if you serve them with only fresh and adequately prepared vegetables. Why Is My Guinea Pig Not Eating?Why Is My Guinea Pig Not Drinking Water?Can Guinea Pigs Die From Eating Too Much? (Hay, Veggies, Pellets, etc.)Do Guinea Pigs Stop Eating When They Are Full? Conclusion So, I hope that this article has helped you understand what type of vegetables are suitable for guinea pigs and how much you must serve the same to them. If you found the guide helpful, do share it with your friends and family. Product we loved personally Rosewood Boredom Breaker checks it out this now, it is an awesome gift to give guinea pigs on any occasion. They love it these type of toys, it helps them in keeping busy and happy. The store offers a wide range of treats and toys. Guinea pigs are always impressed with Guinea Pig Treat Bundles, they love having it. All the treats are organic and safe for cavies. The PandamoniumPets offered a variety of Safe Handmade Pet products. The GuineaHouse store has an amazing wooden house. You must check it out. Piggies will love their Premium Wooden Guinea Pig Fence Enclosure. Sprouts Christmas tree double-sized hidey house for guinea pigs an awesome hideout to decor guinea pig cage during this festive season. LittleQuests store has many types of products for guinea pigs and their owners. The 3GirlsStitching shop offers liners and matching accessories set. Piggies love their quality of bedding and handmade accessories. Midwest (25x48) Absorbent C&C Cage Liner- Snowmen with Red is one of the best choices for my guinea pigs. Sources: ASPCA, USDA National Nutrient database, BRITISH CAVY COUNCIL, The Journal of Nutrition, African Journal of Food Science.

Check Out Our Ultimate Guinea Pig Care Guide

Christmas Gift Ideas 💡

Find A Guinea Pig Vet Near You!

Essential supplies for guinea pigs

Recent Posts